Sports cap having detachable belt

ABSTRACT

A sports cap having a crown and a fastening mechanism having two coupling devices coupled to the crown and a belt detachably coupled to the coupling devices. The belt can be resiliently elastic, or may not be significantly elastic. The belt can also have indicia thereon. Because the belt is detachable, it can be replaced by a second belt.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/177,881 to Lee, filed Jun. 24, 2002, and fromwhich priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to headwear and more particularly,this invention relates to a sports cap having a detachable belt attachedto a crown of the cap via opposing coupling devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the past, attempts have been made to provide a cap which canfit wearers having heads of varying sizes. Such well known caps haveused a plastic adjustable-band strap, placed at the bottom back of thecap for adjustment by the wearer. An open aperture area is disposedabove the portion of the cap where the plastic adjustable-band strap isplaced. This allows the wearer to make any necessary adjustments withoutsignificant bunching of the cap. Examples of such caps 100, 300, 400,500 are shown in FIGS. 1-5. These caps are commonly referred to asmulti-sized caps and are worn widespread among cap wearers.

[0004] More often than not, multi-sized caps include a variable plasticadjustable-band fastening arrangement where the strap has holes thatreceive a snap receiver. The holes in these straps are specificallyplaced and measured in increments of no wider than 1/8 inches toaccommodate the head size of the wearer. Typically, a variable plasticadjustable-band fastener does not fit exactly to someone whose head sizeis between two size numbers. An improper size to the wearer lackscomfort, and as a result, the shape of the cap changes over time. Pastmulti-sized caps with the plastic adjustable-band fasteners have beenunable to be completely detachable and unable to be embroidered at therequest of the wearer. Retailers have often had to discourage customersfrom having designs embroidered at the rear belt band.

[0005] Better fasteners have been available in the prior art. Hooks andloops fasteners have been introduced to provide a lightweight form offastening mechanism for caps adapted to fit individuals whose head sizesare between two standard sizes. Such fasteners also ease some of thepain and pressure on the wearer's head that would otherwise result froman improper fit. A disadvantage with the hooks and loops fastener isthat not only is it bothersome, but the fastened element is more oftenthan not undone inadvertently, causing the cap to fall off of theindividual's head. Also, once the cap falls off of the individual'shead, the fall or attempts to catch the cap can cause the cap body towrinkle and distort. Like the apertured plastic adjustable-band, havinga logo embroidered on the hooks and loops fastener remains a questionstill to be solved.

[0006] Other fasteners used by everyday common multi-sized caps are thatshown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively. The buckle and the single beltbuckle fastener shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are both improvements made on theoriginal plastic adjustable-band fastener (FIG. 2) to provide maximumharness onto the individual wearer. Unlike the original plasticadjustable-band fastener, the buckle and single belt fasteners arelightweight and do not inadvertently undo themselves because thefasteners are tightly fastened to the belt band regardless of excessivesweat caused from physical activities and/or high ambient temperatures.Although discomfort and some pressure can be sensed by the wearer, thisis only minimal compared to the original plastic adjustable-bandfastener.

[0007] One example of a known multi-sized cap that has made greatstrides in foreseeing the problem of eliminating the pressure on thewearer's head is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,540 to Cho. Accordingto Cho's patent, a free size cap has a woven material that uniaxiallystretches in one direction. Cho's patent solves the problem ofdetracting from the aesthetic value of the cap. Typically, caps thathave been made to fit a head of a single fixed size have a problemfitting individuals with head sizes between two standard sizes. Animproper adjustment in size lacks comfort and with time, alters theoverall shape of the cap. In such cases, stores stocking such singlesize caps are then required to carry a substantial stock of caps withdifferent sizes. Although Cho's patent argues the problem of providingan exact fit for individuals whose head sizes lie between two sizenumbers, the patent makes no references to the detachability of the rearband for custom embroidery. Moreover, Cho's patent gets rid of thefastening mechanism all together for a single uniaxially stretchablematerial that is sewn along the circumference of the cap.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,514 to Woehl describes a cap having a reargore in the crown of a stretchable material to provide size adjustmentor spanned by a tab which may be an elastic band, a hooks and loopsfastener or a plastic adjustable-band fastener to variable lengths. Inthis patent, the tab to which may be attached a hooks and loops fasteneror a plastic adjustable-band fastener provides the feature to fit avariety of head sizes. However, Woehl makes no reference to alleviatingthe pressure at the back of the individual's head. Additionally, the capsize adjustment used in Woehls' patent may require an increasedmanufacturing cost compared to other common caps.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,202 to Yan also attempts to overcome theabove-mentioned problems by making the cap multi-axially stretchable.The patent describes a cap having a plurality of gores composed ofmulti-axially stretchable fabric having a stretchable synthetic fiberwoven in the warp and weft of the fabric. Although Yan improves the capdescribed in Cho, Yan does not discuss the need to prevent the cap fromfalling from the wearer's head. During physical exercise, the individualwearing the cap must be able to concentrate on the activity he or she ispursuing without worrying about the cap falling from the individual'shead. Yan argues only to the point of alleviating the pressure on theindividual's head.

[0010] Past fastening mechanism such as the hook and loop fastener(VELCRO® fastener), plastic adjustable-band fastener and theaforementioned Cho's, Woehl's and Yan's patents have failed to solve theproblem of having custom embroidery done along the rear belt band of thefastener. The fastening mechanism used by today's common multi-sizedcaps have only solved the problem of providing a better and exact fitfor individuals whose head size is between two sizes and alleviating anypressure along the circumference of the wearer's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitationsdescribed above by providing headwear such as a sports cap having acrown and a fastening mechanism having two coupling devices coupled tothe crown and a belt detachably coupled to the coupling devices. Thebelt can be resiliently elastic, or may not be significantly elastic.The belt can also have indicia thereon. Because the belt is detachable,it can be replaced by a second belt. Preferably, pockets are formed inthe crown for receiving ends of the belt(s).

[0012] The coupling devices can be buckles, buckles implementingcompression fittings for holding the belt in place, snap type fasteners,hooks or loops type fasteners, a buckle having a catch or prong that isinsertable through complementary holes in the belt, and combinationsthereof.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, fixing bands extend between thecoupling devices and the crown. The fixing bands can be resilientlyelastic, and optionally, positionable between a retracted position andan extended position with respect to the crown. The fixing bands mayextend from pockets formed in the crown.

[0014] The invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of knownmulti-sized caps and of fixed-size caps. The present invention allows auser to achieve a precise fit, which is particularly useful for keepingthe cap affixed to the wearer's head even during extreme physicalexercise or application of an external force thereto. The belt attachedto the coupling devices allows easy detachment for custom embroideringof designs and logos that was once unable to be performed. Moreover, thepresent invention eliminates excess hair from being tangled with thefastener as the cap is worn by the individual.

[0015] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of thepresent invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, referenceshould be made to the following detailed description read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a side view of a regular sports cap.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a rear view of a regular sports cap with a plasticadjustable fastener.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a rear view of a regular sports cap with a hooks andloops fastener.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a rear view of a regular sports cap with a bucklefastener.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a rear view of a regular sports cap with a single beltand buckle fastener.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a rear view of a cap with a double belt buckle and beltfastening mechanism according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a rear view of the cap of FIG. 6, the invention inquestion with the belt removed.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a front view of multiple belts.

[0025]FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a cap according tothe present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] The following description is the best embodiment presentlycontemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description ismade for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of thepresent invention and is not meant to limit the inventive conceptsclaimed herein.

[0027]FIGS. 6-8 illustrate headwear, and particularly a sports cap 600,having a generally hemisphereically-shaped crown 602 and a fasteningmechanism 604 at the bottom back of the crown 602 in a cutout 605thereof. A bill or visor portion (not shown, see FIG. 1) can be coupledto a front and/or side and/or back of the crown 602.

[0028] The crown 602 can be formed, for example, of multiple gores orshaped pieces material (e.g., cotton, nylon, etc.) coupled together suchthat the crown 602 covers nearly the entire upper portion of the head ofthe wearer. The crown 602 can also be formed of a unitary piece ofmaterial.

[0029] The fastening mechanism 604 in this embodiment includes a belt606 detachably coupled to the crown 602 via opposite coupling devices,here buckles 608, 610. The fastening mechanism 604 provides a preciseand comfortable fit for various head sizes and a secure harness whilethe individual pursues physical activities.

[0030] In one embodiment, the belt 606 is resiliently elastic, i.e.,stretchable, and can be formed from any suitable resiliently elasticmaterial including rubber in a fabric shell. Preferably, the extent ofelasticity of the belt 606 under a one pound load is between about 5%and about 25% of the total unstretched length, meaning that the lengthof the belt increases by about 5-25% under the one pound load. Theunique uniaxial stretch mechanism provided by the resiliently elasticbelt 606 having these characteristics provides a unique fasteningstretch mechanism that aids the cap 600 in fitting multiple head sizesas well as helps the cap 600 to remain on the head of the individualwearer, even during extreme physical activity or upon application ofexternal forces (wind, contact with another object, etc.). And becausethe belt 606 is coupled to opposing buckles 608, 610, the tendency ofthe elasticity of the belt 606 to create bunching of the crown 602 onlyat one side of the cutout 605 is virtually eliminated.

[0031] In another embodiment, the belt 606 is not significantly elastic(i.e., less than 5% increase in length under a one pound load), and canbe formed of a material such as cotton, nylon, leather, etc. This typeof belt 606 is particularly useful where indicia is added to the belt,in that the indicia will not deform upon the cap being worn.

[0032] In any of the embodiments described herein, the belt 606 can beprovided with custom colors, designs and/or indicia. Illustrativeindicia include sports team names, product names and trademarks, etc.The colors, designs and/or indicia can, for example, be integrallyformed in/on the belt 606; affixed to the belt 606 via adhesive, paintor pigment, thermal bonding, as a decal, etc.; sewn or embroidered ontothe belt; combinations of these; etc.

[0033] Each of the buckles 608, 610 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6and 7 is generally rectangular and has a pair of belt receivingapertures formed therein. Suitable materials for creating the bucklesinclude plastic, metal such as stainless steel, etc. The belt 606 isinserted through the belt receiving apertures of each buckle 608, 610,thereby forming a secure coupling that resists slippage. Moreover, thistype of buckle 608, 610 substantially eliminates the tendency of hair tobecome tangled with the fastening mechanism 604 as the cap 600 is wornby the individual.

[0034] Alternative coupling devices that can be used in place of thebuckles described above include, individually or in combination, bucklesimplementing compression fittings that hold the belt 606 in place, snaptype fasteners that engage a corresponding member attached to the belt606, hooks or loops type fasteners that engage the complementary hooksor loops portions of the belt 606, a buckle having a catch or prong thatis insertable through complementary holes in the belt 606 (as in a waistbelt), etc. Those skilled in the art will understand how to implementthese and other types of coupling devices in the cap 600 of the presentinvention. For clarity, the remaining description shall refer to bucklescoupling devices, it being understood that other types of couplingdevices can be implemented as well.

[0035] The detachable belt 606 is removable from the crown 602 bydetaching the belt 606 from the buckles 608, 610. Thus, the belt 606 isinterchangeable, allowing the vendor or wearer to select anappropriately sized belt 606 for the size of the wearer's head. Further,because the belt 606 is interchangeable, belts 606 having custom colors,designs and/or indicia preferred by the individual wearer can be addedto the cap 600 and readily interchanged.

[0036] The buckles 608, 610 are preferably coupled to the crown viafixing bands 612, 614 that are coupled to the crown such as by sewing,and extend from the cutout 605 along a lower periphery of the crown 602.This makes it easier to attach and detach the belt 606 from the buckles608, 610. As an option, the fixing bands 612, 614 can be resilientlyelastic to enhance the overall comfort of the cap 600 and coupling ofthe cap 600 to the head of the wearer. Resiliently elastic fixing bands612, 614 are particularly useful where the belt 606 is not elastic. Asanother option, the fixing bands 612, 614 can be adjustable with respectto the crown 602. For instance, the fixing bands 612, 614 bepositionable between a retracted position (where the fixing bands 612,614 are positioned primarily behind the crown 602) and an extendedposition (were the fixing bands 612, 614 are fully extended from thecrown 602).

[0037] For the comfort of the wearer, the fixing bands 612, 614preferably extend from pockets 616, 618 in the periphery of the crown602. The pockets 616, 618 can be formed by folding in the lower edge ofthe crown 602 and coupling the edge back to the crown 602. An additionalbenefit is that the pockets 616, 618 can receive any excess portions(e.g., ends) of the belt 606, thereby preventing the ends of the belt606 from curling when the cap 600 is placed on the wearer's head as wellas adding to the overall comfort of the cap 600.

[0038]FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a sports cap 900according to the present invention. As shown, the cap 900 has a crown602 and a belt 606 with one end coupled to the crown. A free end 902 ofthe belt 606 is detachably coupleable to a coupling device 608 that isattached to the crown 602. The various components of the cap 900 aresubstantially as described above.

[0039] Note that the invention has been described in terms of a sportscap. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the variousaspects and components of the present invention can be implemented invarious types of headwear.

[0040] While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. Headwear, comprising: a crown; and a fasteningmechanism having two coupling devices coupled to the crown and a beltdetachably coupled to the coupling devices.
 2. The headwear as recitedin claim 1, wherein the belt is resiliently elastic.
 3. The headwear asrecited in claim 1, wherein the belt is not significantly elastic. 4.The headwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the belt has indiciathereon.
 5. The headwear as recited in claim 1, further comprising asecond belt for replacing the belt.
 6. The headwear as recited in claim1, wherein the coupling devices are buckles.
 7. The headwear as recitedin claim 1, wherein the coupling devices are selected from a groupconsisting of: buckles implementing compression fittings for holding thebelt in place, snap type fasteners, hooks or loops type fasteners, abuckle having a catch or prong that is insertable through complementaryholes in the belt, and combinations thereof.
 8. The headwear as recitedin claim 1, further comprising fixing bands extending between thecoupling devices and the crown.
 9. The headwear as recited in claim 8,wherein the fixing bands are resiliently elastic.
 10. The headwear asrecited in claim 8, wherein the fixing bands are positionable between aretracted position and an extended position with respect to the crown.11. The headwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the fixing bands extendfrom pockets formed in the crown.
 12. The headwear as recited in claim1, wherein pockets are formed in the crown for receiving ends of thebelt.
 13. Headwear, comprising: a crown; opposing fixing bands coupledto the crown along a lower periphery thereof; first and second couplingdevices each coupled to one of the fixing bands; and a belt detachablycoupled to the coupling devices.
 14. The headwear as recited in claim13, wherein the belt is resiliently elastic.
 15. The headwear as recitedin claim 13, wherein the belt is not significantly elastic.
 16. Theheadwear as recited in claim 13, wherein the belt has indicia thereon.17. The headwear as recited in claim 13, further comprising a secondbelt for replacing the belt.
 18. The headwear as recited in claim 13,wherein the coupling devices are selected from a group consisting of:buckles, buckles implementing compression fittings for holding the beltin place, snap type fasteners, hooks or loops type fasteners, a bucklehaving a catch or prong that is insertable through complementary holesin the belt, and combinations thereof
 19. The headwear as recited inclaim 13, wherein the fixing bands are resiliently elastic.
 20. Theheadwear as recited in claim 13, wherein the fixing bands arepositionable between a retracted position and an extended position withrespect to the crown.
 21. The headwear as recited in claim 13, whereinthe fixing bands extend from pockets formed in the crown.
 22. Theheadwear as recited in claim 13, wherein pockets are formed in the crownfor receiving ends of the belt.
 23. Headwear, comprising: a generallyhemisphereically-shaped crown formed of multiple gores, the crown havinga front, a rear, and a lower periphery; a bill coupled to the front ofthe crown; opposing fixing bands coupled to the crown along the lowerperiphery thereof towards the rear of the crown; first and secondcoupling devices each coupled to one of the fixing bands; a first beltdetachably coupleable to the coupling devices; and a second beltdetachably coupleable to the coupling devices; wherein the fixing bandsare resiliently elastic; wherein the coupling devices are selected froma group consisting of: buckles, buckles implementing compressionfittings for holding the belt in place, snap type fasteners, hooks orloops type fasteners, a buckle having a catch or prong that isinsertable through complementary holes in the belt, and combinationsthereof; wherein the first belt has indicia thereon; wherein the secondbelt has indicia thereon that is different from the indicia on the firstbelt; wherein pockets are formed in the crown along the lower peripherythereof, wherein ends of the belts are receivable in the pockets. 24.The headwear as recited in claim 23, wherein the first and second beltsare resiliently elastic.
 25. The headwear as recited in claim 23,wherein the first belt is resiliently elastic, wherein the second beltis not significantly elastic.
 26. The headwear as recited in claim 23,wherein the fixing bands are resiliently elastic.
 27. The headwear asrecited in claim 23, wherein the fixing bands are positionable between aretracted position and an extended position with respect to the crown.28. The headwear as recited in claim 23, wherein the fixing bands extendfrom the pockets formed in the crown.
 29. Headwear, comprising: a crown;a resiliently elastic belt having a first end thereof coupled to thecrown and a second end thereof being free; a coupling device coupled tothe crown for detachable coupling to the belt.
 30. The headwear asrecited in claim 29, wherein the belt has indicia thereon.
 31. Theheadwear as recited in claim 29, further comprising a fixing bandextending between the coupling device and the crown.